Fiji

The president assumed control and fired the judges who a day earlier had declared the South Pacific island's military government illegal. President Ratu Josefa Iloilo announced in a nationally broadcast radio address that he had abolished the constitution, assumed all governing power and revoked all judicial appointments. "I hereby confirm I have abrogated the 1997 constitution and appointed myself as head of state in the new order," he said.

Regarding "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Cares," May 18: I've been to Fiji six times and have found the best places are Matamanoa Island Resort and the Wakaya Club on Wakaya Island. The Cousteau resort asked guests to save water and, thus, did not change the sheets each day. Gertrude Glick Solvang

NOT ALL Pacific Islanders dance the hula, and their places of origin -- a multitude of islands -- are more than just tourists' tropical paradise destinations. That bit of consciousness-raising is the point of "Pacifika: Young Perspectives on Pacific Island Art," the first in a series of community exhibitions at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Featuring an eclectic selection of artifacts and adornments, the exhibition was created in an effort to broaden the museum's cultural scope and reach young and diverse audiences in Los Angeles, home to thousands whose origins include Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Guam and Micronesia.

South Pacific resorts seem to cater mostly to two types of travelers: those living on a trust fund or backpacking twentysomethings. My husband and I fall in between. Our middle-aged backs won't allow us to put up with saggy beds, and we won't pay $500 a night. Tahiti's prices blew us out of its waters. Could we afford a slice of paradise? In Fiji, yes.

Fiji is one of those island daydreams you can't believe still exists. The ocean is warm, turquoise, clean, and little in it stings or bites. The people are exuberantly welcoming, the drinking water is filtered. The food is safe and, in the upscale places, worthy of Michelin stars. Despite a spate of recent development, it's no Bora Bora, where development stacks upon development.

A powerful cyclone packing winds of up to 155 mph pounded some small islands in northern Fiji, but missed heavily populated areas as it swung to the southeast, officials said today. Cyclone Daman remained a Category 4 storm, forecaster Daini Donu said, but was slowly weakening as it moved toward the Tonga islands. Worst hit on the northern Fiji island was Cikobia, which was out of contact with disaster officials.

Fiji's military ruler declared a state of emergency today and swore in his choice for caretaker prime minister, one day after seizing control in a bloodless coup, local radio reported. Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who seized power by claiming presidential powers and dismissing the elected government, swore in political novice Jona Senilagakali as caretaker prime minister at a ceremony in the main military barracks in the capital, Suva.

Fiji's military commander announced today he had taken control of the country from the elected government, confirming the South Pacific nation's fourth coup in less than two decades. "As of 6 o'clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country," Commodore Frank Bainimarama told a news conference.

DORIAN VALLES and her family stopped in Fiji on their way to Australia in December 2003. The only problem? It's hot in Fiji in December -- over 100 degrees every day and humid. So when an afternoon thunderstorm broke and Valles saw this little girl throw up her arms in delight, she snapped a picture with her Olympus C-740. "It was so spontaneous. That is such a childlike thing, to enjoy the moment," said Valles, a competitive figure skating coach in Carlsbad, Calif.